Party Line's Top Ten 2011 Parties

Donahue's top ten parties for 2011

Staxtacular 2011. Guests got to talk with and have their photos taken in a casual setting with Memphis Grizzlies players in March at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Not just a few players, but the entire Memphis Grizzlies team attended. Jeff Bunn and Karen Brickey partied with the Grizzlies' Zach Randolph.

"The Blues Ball Celebrates Ol' Man River Got Lit." General chairwoman Pat Kerr Tigrett transformed Mud Island into a multi-decker party palace in September to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the lighting of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge. From left, Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins, his wife, Angie and their son, Anthony, were there.

The opening party for "Jean-Louis Forain: La Comedie parisienne" exhibit in June at Dixon Gallery and Gardens was the most elegant party of the year. In addition to viewing the artwork, guests ate dinner in a massive tent illuminated by pink, purple, orange and yellow lights and decorated with multicolored flowers. Guests included Priscilla Presley (center) and Melba and R.C. Johnson.

High Tops Party. Like Staxtacular, guests got to meet, greet and have their photos taken with top Memphis basketballers -- this time, the University of Memphis Tigers and coach Josh Pastner in September at the Collierville home of Hilliard and Harriett Crews. A bonus this year was getting to hang with Los Angeles Lakers star Luke Walton, who was working as a Tigers assistant coach during the NBA lockout. He attended with Bre Ladd.

Stumbling Santa. Participants wearing Santa, elf and other Christmas-themed costumes didn't freeze this year; the weather was sublime. Santas literally danced on Beale Street in December at the benefit for Porter-Leath. Revelers included (from left) Chad Rodgers, Ted Bentz and Brandi BeLee.

Greenshoe at the Lake. A revamped GreenShoe Gala, Greenshoe at the Lake was more laid back, featuring serve-yourself food stations from area restaurants instead of a sit-down dinner. Many guests wore green at the event held in April in a tent on Patriot Lake in Shelby Farms Park, to benefit the park and the Shelby Farms Greenline. In their green were Stephanie Bennett and Michael Loggia, who also wore green socks.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala. This was a revamped version of previous Signature Chefs galas. Several rooms, including the large ballroom for the dinner featuring cuisine made by some of Memphis' top chefs, were used for the tony party in November at the Memphis Hilton. Among the guests were (from left) Erika Kirksey, Mark Briones, Lisa Harsch and Kathryn Cook.

Elvis 7s rugby tournament. The ruggers are serious about their games, of course, but with sideburned players competing in a sideburns contest and Elvis music playing during games, this is still a great party as well as a fun tournament. The event was in August at Millington USA Stadium. Mike Weber sported a pair of Elvis-style shades and some extreme 'burns.

Party at the Palace. No rain, great weather and a live band on the lawn at Memphis Pink Palace Museum made this the perfect summer party. The Phoenix Club of Memphis held the benefit in August for Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. Guests included (from left) Meg Gilliam, Huntley Wiygul, Fred Vann and Jennifer Gardner.

Feed the Soul. With rum, scotch, bourbon and beer tastings, food from area restaurants and L'Ecole Culinaire, live music, an oxygen bar and cigars at the Havana Mix Cigar Emporium, it's almost dizzying how much went on at the annual Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association fundraiser in October at The Warehouse off South Main. Mario Gonzalez checked out the oxygen bar.